Council Solicits Input On Fare Hikes, Reduced Services

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – With the threat of a government shutdown looming, the Metropolitan Council has planned a series of public hearings to collect input regarding possible reductions in transit service and fare increases.

The council said both of these factors could be necessary as they plan for shortfalls in the regional transit operations budget.

A portion of the budget for transit services comes from state funding but the council says services will continue for a period of time in the event of a government shutdown. Still, the long-term effects on the transit budget are less certain.

Without a state budget, the council said they must begin looking at adjusting services and/or increasing rates — starting with holding public hearings on the possible impacts.

The council said they are looking at a possible $110 million reduction, which was previously proposed by the legislature.

Council Chair Susan Haigh said they are “preparing and planning for a significant impact on the transit service.”

Two public hearings have been scheduled for July 6 and 7 to discuss possible impacts, give an overview of the situation and allow residents to ask questions and give feedback. Preliminary information will be available at the meetings, however specific information on routes that could be affected or exact rate increases will not be.

The July 6 meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Council Offices at 390 N. Robert St. in St. Paul. The July 7 meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Minneapolis Central Library in the Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

Additional public hearings will be held from Aug. 8 to 18. Those meeting will provide the specific details regarding any rate changes and service reductions.

Thursday, Aug. 18 – Noon to 1 p.m.
Metropolitan Council Offices – Chambers
390 North Robert St., St. PaulServed by many transit routes

The specific proposals for rate increases and service adjustments will be available on the Council’s website no later than July 29.

Public comments will be accepted starting July 5 through 5 p.m. on Aug. 29. Written comments can be sent to Metropolitan Council Data Center at 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul, 55101. Fax comments to Data Center at (651) 602-1464, text TTY comments to Data Center at (651) 291-0904, email to data.center@metc.state.mn.us and leave a message with comments on the public comment line at (651) 602-1500.

In the event that a budget agreement comes to fruition, the council may reschedule the public hearings. If that happens, the revised proposals will be available 10 days before the first rescheduled meeting.